If you only know Jason Beghe as the intimidating, gravel-voiced, no-nonsense Sgt. Hank Voight on Chicago P.D., you might be shocked to discover what he’s actually like when the cameras stop rolling.
The 57-year-old actor, who spent over 12 years playing one of television’s toughest and most morally complex cops, is described by co-stars and crew as the complete opposite of his on-screen persona.
The Real Jason Beghe
According to multiple people who have worked closely with him, Beghe is warm, funny, and surprisingly gentle in real life.
- He’s a big softie: Co-stars often joke that the man who can silence a room with one intense stare is actually a “giant teddy bear” off camera. He’s known for bringing coffee and snacks for the crew and checking in on younger cast members.
- He has a wicked sense of humor: Beghe loves dark humor and is famous for his quick wit and playful roasts on set. Many say his laugh is loud and contagious.
- He’s deeply loyal: Once you’re in his circle, he treats you like family. His bond with Jesse Lee Soffer was so close that many referred to them as “father and son” both on and off screen.
- He’s surprisingly spiritual: Beghe has spoken openly about practicing meditation and being interested in philosophy and mindfulness — a far cry from Voight’s brutal, “ends justify the means” approach.
LaRoyce Hawkins (Kevin Atwater) once said in an interview: “People see Voight and think Jason is scary. But he’s one of the kindest, most caring people I’ve ever met. He’s the first one to give you a hug when you’re having a bad day.”
A Devoted Family Man
Away from the set, Beghe is a dedicated husband and father. He’s been married to actress Jennifer Westfeldt since 2021 and is very protective of his three children from a previous relationship. He rarely posts about his family and prefers to keep that part of his life extremely private.
He enjoys a quiet life when not filming — spending time at his home in upstate New York, gardening, reading, and walking his dogs. After dealing with health issues in recent years, he has become much more focused on wellness and living a balanced life.
The Voight Effect
Many fans admit they have a hard time separating the actor from the character. Because Voight is so intense and intimidating, people often expect Beghe to be the same in real life. The contrast is so strong that it frequently surprises those who meet him for the first time.
One crew member shared anonymously: “You see him in character and you’re terrified. Then he breaks character, smiles, and you realize he’s just a big-hearted guy who happens to be really good at playing scary.”
As Jason Beghe steps back from his full-time role on Chicago P.D., fans are getting more glimpses into the man behind the badge — and many are saying the real Jason is even more likable than the legendary character he created.
It turns out the toughest cop on television might actually have one of the softest hearts in the industry